TSA Warns Travelers Over Increase of Firearms at Airports

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is reminding travelers heading to airports to leave their firearms at home after intercepting 1,508 firearms at airport security checkpoints across the country during the first quarter of 2023, 93 percent of which were loaded.

The firearms show a 10.3 percent increase from the same period in 2022. TSA officers intercepted 1,367 firearms during the first quarter of 2022, 86 percent of which were loaded.

Yet the number remains proportionate to the total number of travelers heading on airplanes. In 2022, the first quarter saw 158 million air passengers, whereas the first quarter of 2023 saw 191 million passengers, an increase of 20.4 percent.

Nonetheless, the fact that travelers continue to bring firearms into airport security lanes remains an issue. Firearm possession laws vary by state and local governments, but all firearms are prohibited onboard aircraft, at TSA security checkpoints and in carry-on bags, regardless of concealed carry permits.

“Firearms at TSA security checkpoints present an unacceptable safety and security risk to other passengers and I am deeply concerned that the majority of these firearms our TSOs catch are loaded,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “If you carry a firearm to the checkpoint, our TSOs will see it and there will be significant penalties, to include federal penalties and additional screening, which may prolong the security screening process. You may still travel with a firearm – it just must be properly packed in your checked baggage and you must declare it to the airline.”

Possession of a prohibited firearm can also land people with serious punishments. The maximum civil penalty for a firearms violation is $14,950. Passengers who pack firearms in their carry-ons are also subject to city or state laws that might include citation or arrest. Additionally, if a firearm is found at a security checkpoint, TSA suspends the person’s TSA PreCheck eligibility for five years, including for current TSA PreCheck members.

Firearms must be properly packed in checked baggage and declared during check-in with the airline. Passengers should also check with their airline’s firearm and munitions policies and adhere to them fully.